Department of Human Services

News Release 10/30/2025: GOVERNOR GREEN ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL COORDINATED RELIEF EFFORTS TO PROTECT HAWAI‘I FAMILIES FROM FEDERAL SHUTDOWN IMPACTS

News Release 10/29/2025: Governor Green Announces Coordinated Relief Effort to Protect Hawai‘i Families from Federal Shutdown Impacts

News Release 10/24/2025: Department of Human Services | HAWAIʻI DHS PROVIDES GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT FOR HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED BY FEDERAL SHUTDOWN SUSPENSION OF SNAP BENEFITS

The Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to closely monitor the federal government shutdown and its impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).   The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided notice on October 24, 2025 that SNAP benefits for the month of November 2025 are suspended effective November 1, 2025.

DHS is sharing information about the HAWAI‘I RELIEF PROGRAM click here. This program will provide eligible families with dependent children the opportunity to receive payment support for housing or utilities.

We understand that this uncertainty can be stressful. DHS is committed to sharing timely updates and ensuring every household receives clear information as soon as it becomes available from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Will I still be able to use my current SNAP benefits already loaded onto my EBT card from October or past months? Yes. As long as retailers remain authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accept SNAP, you can continue to use any benefits currently on your EBT card. If you have remaining balances from previous months, we encourage you to plan your shopping carefully and purchase essential food items when needed.
2. How will November SNAP benefits be impacted by the continuing federal government shutdown?
   Regular SNAP benefits are usually issued on the 3^rd or 5^th day of each month depending on your last name.  If the shutdown continues into November, no new SNAP benefits can be issued until the federal government reopens. People who were approved for Expedited SNAP benefits, also called emergency food benefits, in October will receive October prorated benefits, but November benefits cannot be issued until the federal government reopens.
3. Would other benefits on my EBT card, like TANF or General Assistance, be affected?
   No. Cash benefits — such as TANF, General Assistance (GA), or other cash programs — would remain accessible through your EBT card, even if SNAP benefits are not issued. You will still receive cash benefits and will  still be able to use those benefits where EBT cash is accepted, including at ATMs and some retailers.
4. If November benefits are not issued, will I still be required to complete my recertification, six month report form, or to report changes to the Department?
   DHS will still continue to process applications, recertifications and changes, even though benefits may not be issued.   This means that if you are scheduled for an interview or recertification, you are still responsible to call or walk-in to complete your  interview.  If you are a change reporting household, you will still be expected to report changes to the Department. If you are unsure and have a question regarding your case, you may call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643 or walk into a Processing Center for help.
5. What should I do to prepare for a delay in SNAP benefits?

• We understand this may be a worrying time. If you are able:
• Use your current benefits thoughtfully to purchase shelf-stable foods or essentials.
• Check your EBT balance regularly.
• Stay tuned to official updates from DHS or USDA — and avoid relying on social media rumors.
• Reach out to community food banks or local food pantries if you need immediate support.

6. What is the Hawaii Relief Program and how do I learn more?
   The Hawaii Relief Program is a new program launched by Governor Josh Green and the DHS to use federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to provide short-term (up to four months) assistance with housing and utility payments through non-profit community partners. The program will serve families with dependent children under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and while it will not provide direct food support, the program will assist with housing costs that are one of the biggest burdens for local families. More information regarding the program will be shared starting on October 29, 2025.

7. Where can I find updates or ask questions?

• You can find the latest information on:
• The DHS website: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov
• Or call the Public Assistance Information Line: 1-855-643-1643.

We will continue to provide updates as we receive guidance from our federal partners.

• SNAP Outreach Providers
  DHS contracts eight different nonprofits throughout the state to conduct outreach to households eligible for SNAP benefits and to provide assistance with referrals to food resources in the community.

• Aloha United Way 2-1-1
  Aloha United Way is a SNAP outreach provider that maintains a database that can provide referrals to other helpful food resources in your community.
  • Statewide: 211

• Hawaiʻi Foodbank
  Hawaiʻi Foodbank works together with its network of food partner agencies to serve the needs of the community on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
  • Oʻahu: 808-836-3600
  • Kauaʻi: 808-482-2224

• Hawaii Island Food Basket
  The Food Basket is Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank. The website includes information on how to locate food resources, including food pantries and soup kitchens on Hawaiʻi island.
  • Hawaiʻi Island: 808-933-6030

• Maui Food Bank
  The mission of Maui Food Bank is to end hunger in Maui County. The Maui Food Bank distributes over 8 million pounds of food each year, including 2.3 million pounds of fresh produce.
  • Maui: 808-243-9500